Red Bull Expresses Remorse Over Comments Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.
The situation stems from radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after being shown video evidence of the incident.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.
"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Incident
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
- Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.
